The BBC's Maud Jullien reports from DR Congo's capital Kinshasa that the government's decision is likely to be welcomed by most people, as he remains an extremely popular figure.
The BBC's Maud Jullien in the capital, Bamako, said early reports suggested a black car drove up to a private residence about 500m (1, 650ft) from a camp where French and Chadian soldiers are based and exploded, killing one person and injuring two others.